Inspection
STEERING WHEEL
Inspection
STEERING WHEEL AXIAL END PLAY
1.Check installation conditions of steering gear assembly, front suspension assembly, axle and steering column assembly.
2.Check if movement exists when steering wheel is moved up and down, to the left and right and to the axial direction.
Standard
Steering wheel axial end play : Refer to "Steering Wheel Axial End Play and Play".
3.Check the following items if steering wheel axial end play is out of the standard.
- Check the steering column assembly mounting condition. Exploded View.
- Check steering gear assembly mounting condition for looseness. Exploded View.
STEERING WHEEL PLAY
1.Turn steering wheel so that front wheels come to the straight-ahead position.
2.Start the engine and lightly turn steering wheel to the left and right until front wheels start to move.
3.Measure steering wheel movement on the outer circumference.
Standard
Steering wheel play: Refer to "Steering Wheel Axial End Play and Play".
4.Check the following items if steering wheel play is out of the standard.
- Check backlash for each joint of steering column assembly.
- Check installation condition of steering gear assembly.
NEUTRAL POSITION STEERING WHEEL
1.Check that steering gear assembly, steering column assembly and steering wheel are installed in the correct position.
2.Perform neutral position inspection after wheel alignment. Front Suspension.
3.Set the vehicle to the straight-ahead position and check that the steering wheel is in the neutral position.
4.Loosen outer socket lock nut and turn inner socket to left and right equally to make fine adjustments if steering wheel is not in the neutral position.
STEERING WHEEL TURNING TORQUE
1.Park the vehicle on a level and dry surface, apply parking brake.
2.Tires need to be inflated to the specified pressure. [1][2]Specifications.
3.Remove driver air bag module. Exploded View.
4.Start the engine.
5.Check that the power steering fluid is at the operating temperature.
Fluid temperature: 50 - 80�C (122 - 176�F)
6.Make sure that the reading is within the following specified range using preload gauge (A) [SST: ST-3127S000 (J-25765-A)].
Standard
Steering wheel turning torque : Refer to "Steering Wheel Turning Torque".
7.If steering wheel turning force is out of the specification, check rack sliding force and relief hydraulic pressure of oil pump.
Regarding relief hydraulic pressure of oil pump, Inspection.
RACK SLIDING FORCE
1.Disconnect lower joint and steering knuckle from steering gear assembly. Exploded View.
2.Start and run the engine at idle to make sure steering fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
Fluid temperature: 50 - 80�C (122 - 176�F)
3.While pulling outer socket slowly in ±11.5 mm (±0.453 in) range from neutral position, check that rack sliding force is within specification.
Standard
Rack sliding force: Rack Sliding Force.
4.If rack sliding force is not within specification, overhaul steering gear assembly.
FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE
1.Check front wheel turning angle after toe-in inspection. Front Suspension.
2.Place front wheels on turning radius gauges and rear wheels on stands, so that vehicle can be level.
3.Check the maximum inner and outer wheel turning angles for LH
and RH road wheels.
4.With the engine at idle, turn steering wheel from full left stop to full right stop and measure the turning angles.
Standard
Inner wheel (Angle: A): Steering Angle.
Outer wheel (Angle: B): Steering Angle.
5.Check the following items if turning angle is out of the specified value.
a.Check the neutral position of the rack stroke (L).
Standard
Rack stroke neutral position (L): Refer to "Rack Stroke".
b.Disassemble steering gear assembly to check the cause that rack stroke is outside of the specified value.
- Steering angles are not adjustable. Check steering gear assembly, steering column assembly and front suspension components for wear or damage if any of the turning angles are different from the specified value.
Replace damaged or malfunctioning parts if necessary.